Artists in Residence Open Studio

Pop in and have a sneak peak at what our artists in residence Zena Elliott and Asher Newbery are up to in this special one-day only experience. See what artists do and create, and kōrero with the artists about their mahi.

Artist Biographies

Zena Elliott
Zena Elliott (Ngāti Awa, Te Whanau ā Apanui, Te Arawa, Ngai Te Rangi) is a Kirikiriroa/Hamilton-based multi-disciplinary artist positioned within contemporary painting and sculpture. Zena’s practice stimulates discussion about gender fluidity, visibility, and cultural identity. She is interested in incorporating innovative methods and materials derived from indigenous knowledge and contemporary culture. While in residence, Zena will be working towards a new body of work exploring the notion of Carving against the grain. She will be investigating the potential of her carving and painting practice, through unconventional methods and mediums.

Asher Raawiri Newbery
Asher Raawiri Newbery (Nāi Tūhoe, Nāti Manunui) is a contemporary Māori artist based in Ōhinehou/Lyttelton. In his painting practice he uses expressive colour, texture and mark-making to explore Māori cosmological narratives and investigate Māori understandings of time and space. Throughout his residency, Asher intends to build a body of painted art works investigating specific themes relating to the Matariki/Puaka period.

Venue: The Gym

This event is part of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre's Matariki 2022 celebrations, for the full programme visit the Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre website.